1 Samuel 20:9 Meaning and Explanation
“And Jonathan said, Far be it from thee: for if I knew certainly that evil were determined by my father to come upon thee, then would not I tell it thee?”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →Jonathan vows that if he learns his father truly means harm, he will surely warn David.
What Does 1 Samuel 20:9 Mean?
Jonathan recoils at the thought that David could be guilty or abandoned: far be it from thee. He promises plainly that if he discovers his father's deadly intent, David will be the first to know. His loyalty now bends toward his friend over his father.
This is the turning of a faithful heart. Jonathan chooses truth-telling and protection over family advantage and self-interest, for the kingdom that should have been his will pass to David. He loves rightly, willing his friend's good above his own crown, and so models the love that does not seek its own.
Frequently Asked Questions About 1 Samuel 20:9
What does 1 Samuel 20:9 mean?
Jonathan vows that if he learns his father truly means harm, he will surely warn David.